Zoning Bylaw Amendments Adopted

On June 24, 2024 Oak Bay Council adopted bylaw amendments to create the Infill Housing Program and respond to the Provincial Small Scale Multi Unit Housing (SSMUH) legislation.

The Infill Housing Program has been based on the three Guiding Principles from 2022:

Provide Diverse Housing Options: provides creating the opportunity for new housing options such as coach houses, triplex and fourplex across all existing single-family neighbourhoods in the District. Most properties are now eligible for up to four (4) units.

Ease of Implementation: The amendments to the Zoning Bylaw and Parking Facilities Bylaw provide flexibility by allowing for SSMUH Infill Housing, regardless of ownership or rental tenure, and with added flexibility for the retention of existing homes as well as for new build projects. Also, Development Permit review is not required for Infill Housing, only a Building Permit is required.

Cherish What the Community Loves: The amendments provide a range of options for infill, are respecting the community character through limited changes to regulations such as setbacks and height. Parking minimums have been reduced to support tree retention. A Live Landscaping requirement has been added to protect space for trees and gardens. Heritage designated properties have separate arrangements. and the flexibility required to support a greater diversity of housing options.

The Infill Housing Program Bylaw Updates are the first steps in the wider Oak Bay Housing Action Program (HAP). The District’s HAP combines Council Priority Projects and the Provincial Housing mandates and share the same goal of increasing housing supply, creating more diverse housing choice over time, and contributing to more affordable housing.